Tale of the Tiger numbers: No. 12

Matthew Richardson for the Tigers kicks for goal during the round five AFL match between the Hawthorn Hawks and the Richmond Tigers at the Melbourne Cricket Ground April 26, 2003 in Melbourne, Australia.

We continue our special holiday season series at richmondfc.com.au, where we ask Tiger fans to select the best player to have worn each of the most significant guernsey numbers in the Club’s history. To assist in your quest, we have profiled those players who have racked up a minimum of 50 games in the number. The game totals and years listed relate to those played while wearing the specific number, not total Richmond career numbers. Today, it’s the turn of No. 12.

No. 12

Jack Titus – 294 games, 1926-1943

Although only 177cm tall and weighing just 70kg, the player affectionately known as ‘Skinny’ was a goalkicking giant at Richmond. Put a remarkable stamp on the league competition throughout a magnificent, long career, playing full-forward for the Tigers. What he lacked in size, he more than compensated for in skill, speed, courage. Was lightning quick on the lead, a superb set shot for goal, and adept at snapping goals from all angles. Became the first Richmond player, and one of only two in the Club’s history (Michael Roach being the other), to kick 100 goals in a season, which he managed to achieve in 1940. Topped Richmond’s goalkicking in a season on 11 occasions, won the Best and Fairest in 1929 and 1941, was a member of the 1932 and 1934 premiership teams, as well as the 1928, 1929, 1931, 1933, 1940 and 1942 Grand Final sides, and was selected at full-forward in the Tigers’ Team of the Century. Is the greatest goalkicker in Tigerland history, with 970 goals.

Matthew Richardson – 282 games, 1993-2009

The son of 1967 Richmond premiership ruck-rover Alan ‘Bull’ Richardson became the idol of an entire generation of Tiger fans due to his brilliant, inspirational on-field exploits over a 16-year period. A champion forward, who possessed amazing agility, elite endurance, tremendous marking ability, goalkicking nous and enormous courage. Won Richmond’s leading goalkicker award a record 13 times, captured the Jack Dyer Medal in 2007, is a triple All-Australian representative, was selected at half-forward in the Tigers’ Team of the Century, and inducted into the Club’s Hall of Fame in 2015. Is second on the Tigers’ all-time goalkicking list, with 800 goals.

Alan Richardson – 103 games, 1959-1969

A powerfully-built, bullocking ruck-rover with an excellent work ethic and team-first attitude. Used his strength to split packs open and then create opportunities for teammates with constructive handball. Was a football pioneer with regards to his prolific, precise use of handball in the league competition at the time. Played a pivotal role in Richmond’s drought-breaking 1967 premiership side.

Robert McGhie – 81 games, 1973-1978

Tall, rugged, fearless centre half-back, who became an important member of Richmond’s back-to-back premiership sides of 1973-1974, after previously struggling to cement himself as a senior regular in four seasons with Footscray. Exerted a strong physical presence on the field, but also generated considerable drive for the Tigers out of defence due to his pace and long, left-foot kicks. Filled a major need for Richmond in that key defensive post.